Planning your entire wedding can be a daunting task, but as long as you stay organized and tackle one thing at a time, it can be so rewarding! We’ve created a Wedding Planning Checklist to help make your wedding day perfect and stress-free. Also, check out these wedding stats and facts from our friends at Pearl Source to help make your planning seamless. Print it out and use to assist your wedding planning or read below. Happy planning!
12+ MONTHS before your wedding
[ ] Celebrate with your loved ones—you're engaged!
[ ] Choose a wedding date (or have a couple of options you can be flexible with, depending on your venue availability)
[ ] Determine your budget.
– Speak with your fiancè and family to work out contributions and personal finances.
[ ] Choose the style/theme/color palette of the wedding.
[ ] Pick (and ask!) your wedding party.
[ ] Schedule engagement photos.
[ ] Start compiling the guest list.
[ ] Research venues for the ceremony and reception.
[ ] Research vendors.
– Caterers, musicians, photographers, videographers, planner, etc.
[ ] Start pinning!
– Find endless wedding inspiration on Pinterest. You can create a board to share with any close friends and family who you want on your planning team.
[ ] Research wedding dress styles and plan a shopping trip!
10-12 MONTHS before your wedding
[ ] Create a wedding website.
– The Knot, Wedding Wire and Zola are a few great options to look into.
[ ] Book your wedding venues—both ceremony and reception, if they're at different locations.
[ ] Book officiant.
[ ] Mail save-the-dates.
[ ] Book desired vendors.
[ ] Research wedding florists.
[ ] Purchase wedding dress and veil.
8-10 MONTHS before your wedding
[ ] Finalize the wedding guest list.
[ ] Research hotels near your venue and reserve a block of rooms for out-of-town guests.
[ ] Choose bridesmaid attire and accessories.
[ ] Register for gifts. Usually, your wedding website will offer a place to create a wedding registry as well!
[ ] Book a florist.
6-8 MONTHS before your wedding
[ ] Decide on a wedding cake style and flavor (take advantage of those tastings!)
[ ] Research wedding favors—we're pretty partial to custom matches 😉
[ ] Research hair and makeup styles for your wedding day and book your stylist.
– Consider booking a trial run as well if you are wanting an intricate hair-do.
[ ] Meet with your officiant and start planning the ceremony.
[ ] Start planning your honeymoon!
[ ] Choose groom and groomsmen attire.
[ ] Book day-of transportation for the wedding party.
[ ] Purchase wedding bands.
[ ] Book rehearsal dinner venue.
[ ] Research wedding invitation designs.
4-6 MONTHS before your wedding
[ ] Order your wedding invitations.
[ ] Order a wedding cake—or cakes! We love the traditional cake alongside a funky groom's cake.
[ ] Book lodging for your wedding night.
[ ] Book honeymoon travel and lodging.
[ ] Decide on the look for bouquets and floral arrangements with your florist.
[ ] Plan wedding welcome bags for out-of-town guests with unique local items they'll enjoy.
[ ] Schedule dress fittings with your seamstress.
[ ] Put together a playlist (including a do-not-play list!) for your DJ or band.
[ ] Order personalized wedding favors!
3 MONTHS before your wedding
[ ] Finalize the timeline for your ceremony and reception. Here's our recommended Wedding Reception Timeline to get you started.
[ ] Purchase wedding dècor and accessories.
– Such as table numbers, place cards, the ring bearer pillow, flower basket, vases for bridesmaid bouquets, etc.
[ ] Order gifts for the bridal party, parents and each other.
[ ] Finalize the reception menu with your caterer.
[ ] Order menu cards.
[ ] Order rehearsal dinner invitations.
2 MONTHS before your wedding
[ ] Mail invitations.
[ ] Develop a system for organizing RSVPs.
[ ] Begin writing your vows.
[ ] Review ceremony details with the officiant.
[ ] Decide on content for wedding programs.
[ ] Apply for a marriage license.
[ ] Finalize day-of timeline.
[ ] Finalize seating arrangements.
[ ] Finalize playlists with musicians
[ ] Finalize fittings and attire for the wedding party and your parents.
[ ] Create a day-of schedule the distribute to vendors.
[ ] Decide how to integrate "Something Old, New, Borrowed and Blue."
[ ] Book beauty treatment for the bridal party.
[ ] Order personalized cocktail napkins, cups and stir sticks from For Your Party.
1 MONTH before your wedding
[ ] Final dress fitting.
[ ] Pick up your wedding bands
[ ] Confirm honeymoon reservations and pack for paradise!
[ ] Check in with vendors to confirm the date, times and location. Provide them with the day-of vendor schedule.
[ ] Pick up your marriage license.
[ ] Order thank you notes.
[ ] Delegate wedding day set-up and clean-up duties.
– Such as the gift table, guestbook, tux returns, any other rental return, etc.
[ ] Start breaking in your wedding shoes!
1-2 WEEKS before your wedding
[ ] Follow up with any guests who haven't RSVP'd.
[ ] Give the final headcount to your caterer.
[ ] Make arrangements for and needed pet care during your wedding day and honeymoon.
[ ] Make sure the band or DJ has your playlists.
[ ] Get a final haircut and color.
[ ] Have final payments and cash tips ready for all vendors.
[ ] Provide any readers with the necessary scripts.
[ ] Deliver a must-have image list to your photographer and videographer.
the DAY BEFORE your wedding
[ ] Make sure everything is laid out and packed for the big day.
– This includes your gown, shoes, the rings and marriage license.
[ ] Deliver wedding welcome bags to the hotel.
[ ] Get a mani/pedi.
[ ] Attend the wedding rehearsal.
[ ] Enjoy your rehearsal dinner!
[ ] Get your beauty sleep—don't stay up too late!
on your WEDDING DAY
[ ] Eat a healthy, hearty breakfast.
[ ] Give the Best Man your wedding rings and officiant fee.
[ ] Take a deep breath! Relax and enjoy the day you've spent so much time planning.
AFTER the wedding
[ ] Enjoy your honeymoon!
[ ] Send thank you notes to guests and particularly helpful vendors.
[ ] Live happily ever after and enjoy your marriage!
Best wishes!
•••
Other important custom items you need for your wedding? Cocktail napkins, swizzle sticks, candy bar bags and more. From personalized wedding napkins to cocktail stirrers, custom barware at your reception is all the rage and will add to the memories you'll never forget!
